Compositions and methods for preventing and treating cancer via modulating ube1l, isg15 and/or ubp43

Abstract

Compositions and methods of using compositions that induce UBE1L or a ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 or inhibit a deconjugase UBP43 to degrade oncogenic proteins and enhance apoptosis of cancer (neoplastic) or pre-cancerous (pre-neoplastic) cells are provided. Methods for the prevention or treatment of cancer via administration of these compositions are also provided.

1 . A composition for prevention or treatment of cancer comprising an agent which induces UBE1L or a ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 or an agent which inhibits the deconjugase UBP43.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the agent selectively induces UBE1L or a ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 or selectively inhibits the deconjugase UBP43.  
     
     
         3 . A method for enhancing pro-apoptotic and degradative pathways of neoplastic or pre-neoplastic cells comprising contacting cells with the composition of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         4 . A method for enhancing pro-apoptotic and degradative pathways-of-neoplastic or pre-neoplastic cells comprising contacting cells with the composition of  claim 2 .  
     
     
         5 . A method for preventing or treating cancer in a patient comprising administering to a patient the composition of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         6 . A method for preventing or treating cancer in a patient comprising administering to a patient the composition of  claim 2 .  
     
     
         7 . A method for identifying agents for use in preventing or treating cancer comprising determining an agent's ability to induce UBE1L or a ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 or to inhibit a deconjugase UBP43.